Snooks Eaglin | Iconic R&B musician, 72

Snooks Eaglin, 72, a New Orleans R&B singer and guitarist who counted platinum-selling rockers among his fans, has died.

The musician died Wednesday of a heart attack at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans after falling ill and being hospitalized last week, family friend John Blancher said. Mr. Eaglin was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, Blancher said.

Mr. Eaglin, whose real name was Fird Eaglin Jr., played and recorded with a host of New Orleans giants, including Professor Longhair, the Wild Magnolias, and pianist Allan Toussaint.

Musicians including Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, and Bonnie Raitt would seek Mr. Eaglin out to watch him perform, Blancher said.

Blind from the time he was a young child, Mr. Eaglin was self-taught, learning to play the guitar by listening to the radio. - AP